Progress and Pride in Jamaica

This week, LGBT people and allies will gather in Kingston, Jamaica for the third-annual LGBT Pride Festival. The festival provides an opportunity to celebrate the strides Jamaica has made this year and recognize groups, like Human Rights First's partner J-FLAG, that work tirelessly to promote LGBT rights in the region.

As shown in Human Rights First's 2015 report, LGBT Jamaicans live in a taxing climate, where widespread homophobia and transphobia have resulted in high rates of anti-LGBT discrimination and targeted violence. However, this month we have seen strong evidence of progress.

As more Jamaicans demonstrate their commitment to LGBT rights, more members of the LGBT community in Jamaica can openly live and love without fear. Human Rights First thanks the LGBT activists who make this progress possible and wish you all a happy Pride!

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